Introduction

As old as I am, I didn’t grow up with Pac-Man since it released way back in 1980. Still, when I became a gamer and explored arcades and pizza places with gaming machines, I quickly learned what Pac-Man was—and became a big fan. I spent an absurd amount of quarters—sorry, mom and dad—trying to beat each level, and even today, I still boot up digital versions when I’m bored. So, imagine my surprise when I heard a new Pac-Man game was coming, not as a 3D remake like Pac-Man World but as a 2D platformer akin to Castlevania or Metroid. Then I watched Secret Level on Amazon Prime Video—which I also reviewed here—and realized this prequel hinted at a real game. That game is now here: Shadow Labyrinth. But is this new vision worth your time, or should you just download the original Pac-Man again? Let’s find out in my review of Shadow Labyrinth for the PS5!

Gameplay

Remember I mentioned Castlevania and Metroid? Well, Shadow Labyrinth plays a lot like those games—with a dash of Pac-Man thrown in. You play as Swordsman No. 8 (fans of the Secret Level episode will know the fate of No. 7). Awoken by a strange yellow orb called Pac—sorry, Puck—you’re told to help Puck escape the labyrinth, armed with a sword that reveals its hidden potential over time.

The labyrinth is full of locked areas, puzzles, movement-based challenges, and enemies galore. You’ll slash, dodge, and even transform into a literal Pac-Man to traverse new areas. It borrows heavily from genre classics but still manages to throw in some fun surprises.

Puck may not be Pac-Man, but it shares his appetite. You can devour defeated enemies to gain energy and resources. Gather enough, and you can transform into GAIA—a mini giant beast that deals heavy damage and tanks hits. While I didn’t use GAIA much outside boss fights, it was a clutch move when near death or scrambling for a checkpoint.

Upgrades give No. 8 more health, attacks, and survival options. The gameplay is smooth overall, aside from awkward controls when in Pac-Man form. Boss fights were fun—though rarely challenging if you used GAIA—and most of my deaths came from surprise attacks during exploration. It definitely captures the spirit of Castlevania.

Graphics

I honestly liked the aesthetics of Shadow Labyrinth. Is it gorgeous? Not really. But the creepy tone and dark fantasy style work well. There’s even a bit of sci-fi flavor as you dig deeper. The best visuals come from the character designs, which feel like Namco’s older characters reborn in 2025. Visually, the game isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s still pleasing to the eyes.

Sound

I’m indifferent about the soundtrack. Some boss battle themes were solid, and the muted tones support the game’s dark vibe, but nothing truly stood out. I wouldn’t buy the soundtrack. Like the rest of the game, the music is just good enough—but never great.

Story

The story is where Shadow Labyrinth shines most. It borrows the mysterious storytelling of Dark Souls and mixes in surprising Pac-Man lore. As you collect clues and piece things together, the world becomes deeper and more complex. The narrative kept me playing even when the gameplay began to feel repetitive. There’s plenty to discover for those who dive into the game’s lore.

Overall Impression

Did you notice my tone sounded a bit lifeless? That’s intentional. Shadow Labyrinth starts off intriguing—with devouring mechanics, strange companions, and a rich world—but quickly becomes formulaic. It’s not a bad game at all, and it plays well. But it plays things safe, and after the first hour, it loses momentum. It’s another solid Metroidvania title that never quite reaches its full potential.

Conclusion

Shadow Labyrinth has the potential to be much more than what it ultimately delivers. With solid gameplay, mysterious story elements, and unique Pac-Man-inspired mechanics, it shows flashes of brilliance. But it ends up playing too safely, feeling like another Metroidvania clone with a clever coat of paint. I enjoyed my time with Shadow Labyrinth and would recommend it to those who crave another Castlevania-style experience—just not one set in a spooky castle. For everyone else, this is a fun diversion until the ghosts catch you and it’s Game Over.

—Aaron